The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City has approved on second reading a proposed ordinance that seeks to strengthen and modernize the Barangay Development Fund (BDF) by mandating minimum allocations for all barangays, and equitable distribution of their share based on population, provide clearer rules on fund release, implementation, and accountability.
Under the proposed ordinance, the BDF will be sourced annually from 7 percent of the City’s 20 percent Development Fund/Annual Investment Plan, as well as other lawful sources appropriated by the City Council. Each barangay will receive an allocation proportionate to its population or constituency, with a guaranteed minimum of P200,000 per barangay, subject to periodic review.
Authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, with Councilors Dindo Ramos, Celia Matea Flor, and Lady Gles Gonzales-Pallen as co-authors, the proposed measure revises City Ordinance No. 366, Series of 2004, which established the Barangay Development Fund more than two decades ago.
Distrito said the ordinance responds to current realities faced by barangays. “After more than twenty years, it is necessary to update the Barangay Development Fund to reflect rising costs of infrastructure and priority projects, while ensuring that all barangays receive equitable and accountable support,” he said.
Ramos highlighted the measure’s emphasis on fairness: “This ordinance ensures that every barangay, regardless of size, is assured of minimum development funding while still recognizing differences in population and needs,” he said.
For Flor, the ordinance strengthens transparency and fiscal discipline, “By clearly setting conditions for fund release, liquidation, and reporting, we are protecting public funds and reinforcing accountability at the barangay level,” she noted.
Meanwhile, Gonzales-Pallen underscored the participatory nature of the proposed policy: “The ordinance empowers barangay development councils and constituents to identify priority projects aligned with the city’s development plans and national guidelines,” she said.
The measure also requires that barangays have no pending cash advances and must have fully liquidated previous financial assistance before accessing their BDF share. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the city government and the concerned barangay will likewise be executed prior to fund release and project implementation.
The proposed ordinance is now set for third and final reading, after which this will be submitted to Mayor Greg Gasataya for his approval.*
